Every week, Bet Legends form analyst Shaun Beirne puts a couple of the market’s key runners under the microscope, searching for favourites he believes are under the odds.
This Saturday, he’s happy to oppose runners at both Rosehill and Flemington, while admitting there’s one horse at Doomben he simply can’t knock.
As always, Bet Legends has put together exclusive offers for punters who want to back the featured runners.
Rosehill Race 3 – Columbus
Beirne believes Columbus has talent and is open to improvement, but says the market is already pricing him as though everything falls into place.
“He’s lightly raced and there’s definitely upside there, but I think he needs to improve around three lengths on what he did winning at Newcastle to justify his current price.”
The map is another major concern.
“He looks like settling near the back in what shapes as only a moderate tempo, so he’s probably going to need a James McDonald special to get over the top of them.”
While the gelding may well continue to improve, Beirne isn’t convinced punters are getting any value.
“The market is assuming he finds that improvement and overcomes the map. At the current price, I’m happy to take him on.”
Bet Legends Special: Columbus to win by 1 length or more at $5.
Doomben Race 4 – Boonie Boom
Unlike his other two plays, Beirne isn’t looking to oppose Boonie Boom.
In fact, he thinks the favourite is the horse they all have to beat.
“I’ve got no knock on him. He probably wins.”
With Boonie Boom currently trading around $1.40, Beirne says this week’s Bet Legends promotion is all about rewarding punters who are happy to back a very short-priced favourite.
“At those odds we’ve got to give the punters a chance, and that’s exactly what this special does.”
Bet Legends is boosting the appeal by offering attractive odds if Boonie Boom can put his rivals away convincingly.
Bet Legends Special: Boonie Boom to win by 1 length or more at $2.50.
Flemington Race 10 – Just Like Gaby
Beirne is also prepared to oppose Just Like Gaby, with question marks over whether the mare has returned in the same form that saw her produce her career-best performances.
“She maps to get a nice enough run midfield, but I wasn’t convinced by what she showed in the jump-outs.”
He also felt last preparation was well below the level she’d previously produced.
“Last prep was disappointing and her career peak came at Moonee Valley under very different circumstances when she was able to race on speed.”
For Beirne, there are simply too many unknowns at the current quote.
“There’s enough there to make me happy to take her on.”
Bet Legends Special: Just Like Gaby to run 1st or 2nd at $3.50.
